DEAR PET ENTHUSIAST: With the clocks shifting once again, what adjustments should I anticipate regarding my pets’ behavior and feeding routines? Help! — TIME-CHALLENGED
DEAR TIME-CHALLENGED: You’re not alone in this. The ongoing practice of daylight saving time, a relic from an era when agriculture dictated our schedules, continues to affect us all, often leading to seasonal mood fluctuations.
As you’ve pointed out, alterations in routine can lead to stress. Let’s focus on dogs first: remember that your canine companion may no longer align with human schedules but will still adhere to the natural cycles of sunlight.
The Chief Veterinarian of the American Kennel Club, Dr.Jerry Klein, explains: “Dogs are attuned to daylight; they wake with the sunrise and rest when it gets dark. Do they count down hours for their eight hours of sleep? Certainly not. However,their physical and behavioral rhythms are synchronized with sunlight.”
Your dog might exhibit signs of confusion; is your pet acting irritable or restless? Are they expressing their discomfort through increased whining or vocalizations? If so—regardless if they aren’t—consider adjusting their feeding schedule slightly earlier than usual whenever possible.For instance, if dinner is typically at 6 p.m., try serving it at 5:45 p.m., then gradually move it up to 5:30 p.m., and so forth.
Now let’s talk about cats—at this moment as I write these words, my cat Vinnie (a lively four-year-old orange tabby) has leaped onto my desk several times, attempted to sit on my keyboard, paraded around me while presenting his tail right in front of my face before heading over to nibble on a bamboo plant nearby. At that point, I surrendered and went into the kitchen to prepare dinner for him and his brother Reggie (who hails from another mother).
Cattitude expert Jackson Galaxy frequently mentions in his videos that “your cat follows the sun daily.” Consequently, sleeping patterns may shift based on where sunlight streams through your windows throughout the day. Thus when dawn breaks, your feline freind rises; as dusk falls so does your cat (before embarking on its nightly adventures filled with playtime antics).
Cats generally have a faster metabolism compared to most dogs; therefore time can feel elongated between meals for them. Though tempting it might potentially be during this period of extended darkness—and despite any inclination towards “grazing” where dry food is left out all day—it’s best not to give in. Maintain consistent routines and enjoy quality time with your pets during these darker months for both oxytocin/dopamine boosts!
Sally Cragin serves as director at Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets & Community Education Programs.For inquiries reach out via email at sallycragin@gmail.com